We’ll all miss this…The past three years I’ve been blessed to attend a Christmas in July media event. It’s always so much fun, because we would get a peek in what Disney had planned for the merriest time of the year. This being 2020, it didn’t happen this summer. I was just as curious as everyone on what would take place in November and December.
Yesterday, we learned Walt Disney World’s plans for the holidays. I’ve read the announcement more times than I care to admit, wanting to be able to better share some of the information with you. Here’s a summary of what we can expect.
I’ll start with the sad part. There will be no Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year. Also at the Magic Kingdom, the Castle Dream Lights will not be seen. At Epcot, we won’t have the Candlelight Processional, which breaks my heart. There will be no gingerbread houses at the deluxe resorts. Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom were not mentioned in the Disney Parks Blog post, so it’s safe to assume that they will not be held. It also looks like the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs will not take place.
So what can we expect instead? I’ll start with the Magic Kingdom. In the place of the Castle Dream Lights, there will be a special projections show. I’m disappointed too, but this makes sense. A projections show will be more cost effective than adding the lights. I’m keeping an open mind about this, because I love the projections at Walt Disney World. I think that it’s going to be magical.
At Epcot, there will still be entertainment in the America Gardens Theater. JOYFUL! and the Voices of Liberty will both perform there. It’s also been announced that we will have the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This will all begin on November 27. It will probably be scaled back, much like the Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, but I’m sure that there will be some great international holiday treats to purchase.
Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) will switch to holiday attire. The character meal will feature Minnie and friends, including Santa Goofy. Remember, it’s a modified experience, the characters will not get close.
All four parks can expect changes to the Character Cavalcades. We’ve been promised gingerbread men, reindeer, and toy soldiers at the Magic Kingdom. Santa will also make an appearance at all four parks, from a safe distance, of course. There will also be decorations in the parks.
There will be trees throughout Disney Springs, instead of just on a trail. If you’re looking for snoap, you’ll find that at Disney Springs as well. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will be transformed into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, and there will be limited time seasonal offerings.
With the exception of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, the fun will begin on November 6. The festivities will run through December 30. Park hours have not yet been announced past the middle of November, but with the lack of nighttime offerings I think that we can expect the parks to continue to close fairly early.
Below is a video from Disney Parks Blog, that could help you to get excited. Enjoy! I might have watched it several times already…